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60th Congress, 
1st Session. 


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Document 
No. 454. 


Copy 1 


MEMORIAL RELATIVE TO AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION 
OF THE UNITED STATES. 


Mr. Owen presented the following 


MEMORIAL OF THE HON. C. N. HASKELL, GOVERNOR OF THE 
STATE OF OKLAHOMA, RELATIVE TO AMENDING THE CONSTI¬ 
TUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


April 30, 1908.—Ordered to be printed. 


To the Sixtieth Congress of the United States: 

Whereas in the Constitution of the United States it was contem¬ 
plated that lapse of time and changing conditions would necessitate 
amendments of and additions to the original document, and there¬ 
fore the making of amendments and additions thereto were provided 
for; 

Time has demonstrated that government by the people, of the peo¬ 
ple, and for the people can not be obtained by the present method 
of electing the upper House of the legislative branch of the Federal 
Government, therefore an overwhelming majority of the people of 
the entire United States have in various conclusive ways given evi¬ 
dence of their desire that the Constitution should be amended, to the 
end that United States Senators may be elected by direct vote of the 
people of the respective States, to the end that our Government in 
practice, as well as in theory, may justify the motto, ‘^Let the people 
rule;’’ 

Whereas government devised for the protection of life, liberty, 
and the right of property necessarily incurs the burden of taxation, 
direct and indirect; and 

Whereas indirect taxation is far too often made an excuse for 
special privileges to a favored class and a burden upon the toiling 
masses of the United States; and 

Whereas great estates and accumulations of property necessitate 
a greater share of supervision and expense to government; therefore 
it IS fair and just that an income tax be authorized by the Constitu¬ 
tion of the United States, affording a source from which a portion of 
the expense of government may be obtained, and to this end the Con¬ 
stitution of the United States should be so amended as to make the 
assessment and collection of an income tax constitutional; 

Whereas it should be the policy of our Government to protect 
the toiling masses to the fullest degree of justice, in case of disability 
or death while in the service of interstate carriers and free from 


* 















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2 AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 

responsibility on account of the negligence of his fellow-servant or 
coemployee. It is therefore essenti^ that the laws of Congress upon 
this subject should not be hampered or their validity endangered by 
the narrow provisions of the Constitution as at present. Distinct 
power should be given Congress to legislate as in its wisdom may 
fully protect the employee; 

Whereas the conditions and necessities of the different States 
render it indispensable that each State have unrestricted the right 
to regulate the charges of common carriers and the conduct or trans-- 

E ortation business and the right to prohibit the consolidation or com- 
ination or merger of competing carriers, to the end that reasonable 
competition shall not be destroyed; and 

Whereas time has demonstrated that Federal control of this vast 
subject is inadequate to the need^ of the States, and it being within 
the power and province of the State to regulate its internal affairs, 
this subject should have the emphasis of a direct provision in the 
Federal Constitution, not that the States have ever surrendered this 
right, but that judicial legislation may not further encroach upon the 
just rights and powers of the State; 

Whereas it has alw^s been the policy of free government to per¬ 
mit the people of the States, by their own voice (the majority con¬ 
trolling), to formulate and execute the laws for their local regula¬ 
tion, and where a State, by its people, have elected to prohibit the 
importation or use of any products affecting the morals and health 
of the community or the protection of its honest labor, by the exclu¬ 
sion of convict-made goods, the Federal Government should never 
aid or connive at the violation of such as has been declared to be the 
expressed will of the people of such State, to the end that doubt on 
this subject may be cleared away and a definite limit put upon legis¬ 
lation by our Federal judiciary, an amendment of the Constitution 
is essential. 

AMEND THE CONSTITUTION. 

There are two methods of securing the submission of amendments 
to the Constitution of the United States: 

(a) The Congress of the United States may formulate and submit 
amendments on its own motion to the several States for their ratifi¬ 
cation, but as to this method the people of our country have waited 
long weary years in vain; but, with a last appeal to that method, the 
five articles proposed herewith are submitted for the voluntary action 
of our Congress. 

(Jb) Wise, indeed, were those who framed the Constitution of our 
country, in the provision of another method for its amendment. In 
Article V it is provided that the several States, the source of all Fed¬ 
eral power, may, by resolution of the legislative body, two-thirds of 
the States joining therein, and addressing such request to the Con¬ 
gress, make it mandatory upon the Congress of the United States to 
convene a convention of the States of the Union for the purpose of 
formulating any and all such amendments to the Federal Constitution 
as said convention, when assembled, may deem wise and proper, and 
the Congress shall also provide that all amendments proposed by such 
convention shall be submitted to the several States for ratification or 
rejection. It is to be hoped that Congress will not, by their failure to 
act, make necessary the delay and expense incident to such convention 


MAY 18 1908 

D. of 0. 



AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


3 


by refusing to submit the attached five articles and such additional 
articles as the people may demand by a reasonable representation of 
the people. 

. The action of 27 States of the Union in requesting a convention of 
the States must impress the Congress that patience has almost 
ceased to be a virtue and that Congress has not listened with even 
diligence and justice to the source of all power—the people of our 
country. 

Can there be any better evidence of the demand for a constitu¬ 
tional convention of the States than that expressed in the resolutions 
filed herewith, adopted by 27 of our grand and glorious free States, 
following: , 

Pennsylvania, Indiana, Texas, California, Nevada, Missouri, 
Nebraska, Arkansas, Wyoming, North Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, 
Louisiana^ Kansas, Montana, Wisconsin, Oregon, Michigan, Tennes¬ 
see, Idaho, South Dakota, Washington, Utah, Kentucky, Minnesota, 
Iowa, and Oklahoma. 

Of the 19 remaining States, more than two-thirds of them stand 
ready to join with their sister States in this demand, awaiting only 
the convening of their legislative bodies. 

Shall Congress defer longer the submission of these needed amend¬ 
ments to the Constitution when, by the States above named, substan¬ 
tially two-thirds of the population of the United States have united 
in a call for such convention ? 

Shall the people have the opportunity to pass upon these questions 
without further hindrance or delay or must a campaign be waged 
to remind Congress that it is the servant of a free and independent 
people? 

The State of Oklahoma has created its commission and directed the 


presentation to Congress of the matters and things herewith, and 
humbly prays that the justice of these demands may appeal to the 
honorable Congress of the United States. 

Respectfully, 

C. N. Haskell, 

Governor and Chairman of the Oklahoma State Commission. 


Resolved hy the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled {two-thirds of both Houses con¬ 
curring), That the following articles be proposed to the legislatures of 
the several States as amendments to the Constitution of the United 
States, all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of 
the State legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part 
of the said Constitution, viz: 

Article 16. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of 
two Senators from each State, chosen by the electors thereof for six 
years, and each Senator shall have one vote; and the electors in each 
State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of Members 
of the House of Representatives. They shall be divided as equally 
as may be into three classes, so that one-third may be chosen every 
second year; and if vacancies happen, by resignation or otherwise, 
the governor may make temporary appointments until the next regu¬ 
lar election in such State. No person shall be a Senator who shall 



4 


AMENDING (X)NSTITLTTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


not have attained the age of 30 years, and been nine years a citizen 
of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an elector 
of the State for which he shall be chosen. The Vice-President of the 
United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote 
unless they be equally divided. The Senate shall choose their own 
officers, and also a president pro tempore in the absence of the Vice- 
President, or when he shall exercise the oflice of the President of the 
United States. 

Akticle 17. The Congress shall have power to provide for the 
collection ,of a uniform tax upon the gains, profits, and income 
received by every citizen or person of the United States, including 
every corporation, association, or company doing business for profit 
in the United States, subject to such exemption as it may deem 
proper. 

Article 18. The Congress shall have power to define and regulate 
the liability of common carriers engaged in interstate or foreign com¬ 
merce to their servants or employees for injuries resulting from the 
negligence of fellow-servants or coemployees. 

Article 19. No State shall be denied the right to regulate the 
charges of common carriers for the carriage of freight or passengers 
wholly within the State or to regulate or prohibit the consolidation or 
combination of competing carriers. 

Article 20. No State shall be denied the right, to regulate or pro¬ 
hibit the shipment into the State of any article or articles of commerce 
injurious to public health or morals, or the product in whole or in part 
of convict labor. 


' State of Arkansas. 

House Concurrent Resolution No. 17.— Making an application to the Congress of the United States 
to call a convention to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide 
for the election of United States Senators by a direct vote of the qualified electors of the several 
States. 

Be it resolved hy the house of representatives and senate of the general assembly of the 
State of Arkansas, That the legislature of the said State of Arkansas, on behalf of the 
said State, hereby make application, in accordance with the provisions of Article V 
of the Constitution of the United States, to the Congress to call a convention to be 
composed of delegates from the several States of the Union, which convention when 
assembled shall propose as an amendment to the said Constitution a provision whereby 
members of the United States Senate shall be elected by a direct vote of the qualified 
electors of the several States. 

That a certified copy of this resolution shall be immediately transmitted by the 
governor to the President of the United States, to be by him presented to the Con¬ 
gress of the United States. 

Approved, April 25, 1901. 


State of California. 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

I, C. F. Curry, secretary of state of the State of California, do hereby certify that I 
have carefully compared the annexed copy of Senate joint resolution No. 2, Statutes 
of 1900, with the original now on file in my office, and that the same is a correct tran¬ 
script therefrom and of 'the whole thereof. Also, that this authentication is in due 
form and by the proper officer. 

Witness my hand and the great seal of State, at office in Sacramento, Cal., the 10th 
day of April, A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] C. F. Curry, Sea'etary of State. 

By J. Hoesch, Deputy. 





AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 5 

Chapter VII—Senate Joint Resolution No. 2 —Relative to the election of United States Senators by 

direct vote of the people. 

Whereas section 3 of Article I of the Constitution of the United States provides 
that “the Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each 
State, chosen by the legislature thereof, for six years;” and 

hereas the present system for the election of United States Senators is subject to 
severe public criticism and divided public opinion arising from various causes; 
therefore, be it 

Resolved by the senate of the State of California, and the assembly, jointly. That our 
Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives be requested, to vote for 
the submission of an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing 
for the election of Senators by the direct vote of the electors of the respective States. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to our Senators and Repre¬ 
sentatives in Congress. 

Thos. Flint, Jr., 

President pro tern, of the Senate. 

Alden Anderson, 

Speaker of the Assembly. 

Attest: 

C. F. Curry, 

Secretary of State. 


State op Minnesota. 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

I, Julius A. Schmahl, secretary of state of the State of Minnesota, do hereby certify 
that I have compared the annexed copy with the original instrument in my office of 
Chapter 406, Laws of Minnesota of 1901, approved February 9, 1901, and that said 
copy is a true and correct transcript of said original instrument and of the whole thereof. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the great seal of the 
State, at the capitol, in St. Paul, this 20th day of April, A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] Julius A. Schmahl 

Secretary of State. 

Chapter 406.—A joint resolution of the senate and house of representatives of the State of Minnesota 
making application to the Congress of the United States imder Article V of the Constitution for the 
submission of an amendment to said Constitution making United States Senators elective m the 
several States by popular vote. 

Be it enacted by the legislature of the State of Minnesota, That the legislature of the 
State of Minnesota hereby makes application to the Congress under the provisions of 
Article V of the Constitution of the United States for the calling of a convention to 
propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States making United 
States Senators elective in the several States by direct vote of the people. 

Sec. 2. The secretary of state is hereby directed to transmit copies of this applica¬ 
tion to the Senate, House of Representatives of the Congress, and copies to the mem¬ 
bers of the said Senate and House of Representatives from this State; also, to transmit 
copies hereof to the presiding officers of each of the legislatures now in session in the 
several States, requesting their cooperation. 

Approved, February 9, 1901. 


State of Utah. 

House Joint Resolution. 

Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides that “the 
Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose 
amendments to this Constitution, or on the application of the legislatures of two- 
thirds of the several States shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which 
in either case shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution 
when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States or by conven¬ 
tion in three-fourths thereof,” etc.; and 

Whereas the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States has on 
four separate occasions passed by a two-thirds vote a resolution proposing an amend¬ 
ment to the Constitution providing for the election of United States Senators by direct 
vote of the people; and 


6 


AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


AVliereas the United States Senate has each time refused to consider or vote upon 
said resolution, thereby denying to the people of the several States a chance to secure 
this much-desired change in the method of electing Senators: Therefore be it 

Resolved by the senate and house of representatives of the State of Utah, That under the 
authority of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, application is herel^ 
made to Congress to forthwith call a constitutional convention for the purpose of sub¬ 
mitting to the States for ratification an amendment to the Federal Constitution pro¬ 
viding for the election of United States Senators by direct vote of the people; and 
Resolved, That the secretary of the state be, and is hereby, directed to forward a 
properly authenticated copy of these resolutions to the President of the United States 
and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States. 

Approved this 12th day of March, 1903, 


State of Utah, 

County of Salt Lake, ss: 

I,^Willard Done, a notary public in and for the county of Salt Lake, State of Utah, 
do hereby certify that the within is a full, true, and correct copy of a house joint reso¬ 
lution passed by the legislature of the State of Utah and approved by Governor Heber 
M. Wells on the 12th day of March, 1903. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 11th day of March, 
A. D. 1908. 


Willard Done, 

Notary Public. 


State of Kansas. 

Whereas there is a widespread and rapidly growing belief that the Constituiion of the 
United States should be so amended as to provide for the election of the United States 
Senators by the direct vote of the people of the respective States; and 
Whereas other amendments to the United States Constitution are by many intel¬ 
ligent persons considered desirable and necessary; and 

Whereas the Senate of the United States has so far neglected to take any action 
whatever upon the matter of changing the manner of electing United States Senators, 
although favorable action upon such proposed change has several times been unani¬ 
mously taken by the House of Representatives; Therefore, be it 

Resolved by the house of representatives of the State of Kansas {the Senate concurring 
therein). That the legislature of Kansas, in accordance with the provisions of Article V 
of the Constitution of the United States, hereby apply to and request the Congress 
of the United States to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments 
to the Constitution of the United States; and 
Resolved, That we hereby request our Representatives in Congress and instruct our 
United States Senators to bring this matter to the attention of their respective bodies 
and to try and induce favorable action thereon; and 

Resolved further. That the secretary of the State of Kansas is hereby directed to 
forthwith transmit a certified copy of these resolutions to the Vice-President of the 
United States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Congress, and to each* 
of the Representatives and United States Senators in Congress from Kansas, and to the 
speaker of the house of representatives of each State in which the legislature is now or 
soon to be in session. 

State of Kansas, Office of the Sea'etary of State: 

I, C. E. Denton, secretary of state of the State of Kansas, do hereby certify that the 
above and foregoing is a correct copy of the original enrolled resolution now on file in 
my office. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official 
seal this 18th day of January, 1908. 

[seal.] C. E. Denton, 

Sea'etary of State. 

By J. F. Botkin, 
Assistant Secretary of State. 


State of Texas. 

House Concurrent Resolution No. 22. 

Whereas under the present method of the election of United States Senators by the 
legislatures of the several States protracted contests frequently result in no election at 
all, and in all cases interfering with needed State legislation; and 




AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


7 


Whereas Oregon, in common with many of the other States, has asked Congress to 
adopt an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing for the election 
of United States Senators by a direct vote of the people, and said amendment has 
passed the House of Representatives on several occasions, but the Senate of the United 
States has continually refused to adopt said amendments: Therefore 
Be it resolved by the house of representatives of the State of Texas (the senate concurring), 
That the Congress of the United States is hereby asked and urgently requested to call 
a constitutional convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United 
States as provided in Article V of the said Constitution of, the United States. 

Resolved, That we hereby ask and urgently request that the legislative assembly of 
each of the other States in the Union unite with us in asking and urgently requesting 
the Congress of the United States to call a constitutional convention W the purpose of 
proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States. 

Resolved, That the secretary of state be, and is hereby, authorized and directed to 
send a certified copy of this concurrent resolution to the President of the United States 
Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States, and to the 
legislative assembly of each and every of the other States of the Union. 

(Note.— The enrolled bill shows that the foregoing resolution passed the house of 
representatives, no vote given; and passed the senate, no vote given.) 

Approved, April 17, 1901. 

The State of Texas, Department of State: 

PI, W. R. Davie, secretary of state of the State of Texas, do hereby certify that the 
attached and foregoing is a true and correct copy of house concurrent resolution No. 22, 
passed by the twenty-seventh legislature of the State of Texas, and approved April 
17, 1901, as the same appears of record in the printed statute book of the State of 
Texas, deposited in the office of the secretary of state of the State of Texas, on pages 
327 and 328 of General Laws of the State of Texas passed at the regular session of the 
twenty-seventh legislature, convened at the city of Austin, January 8, 1901, and 
adjourned April 9, 1901; and I further certify that I am the keeper and custodian 
of the said printed statute book above mentioned. j 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name officially and caused to be 
impressed hereon the seal of my office, same being the great seal of the State of Texas, 
at my office in Austin, Tex., on this the 3d day of April. A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] W. R. Davie, 

Secretary of State. 


State op Illinois, 
department of state. 

To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting: 

I, James A. Rose, secretary of state of the State of Illinois, do hereby certify that 
the following and hereto attached is a true copy of senate joint resolution No. 5 of 
the forty-third general assembly, adopted by the senate February 10, 1903, and con¬ 
curred in by the house April 9, 1903, the original of which is now on file and a matter 
^of record in this office. 

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and cause to be affixed the great seal 
of State. Done at the city of Springfield this 10th day of March, A. D. 1908. 
[seal.] Tames A. Rose, 

Secretary of State. 

Whereas by direct vote of the people of the State of Illinois at a general election 
held in said State on the 4th day of November, A. D. 1902, it was voted that this 
general assembly take the necessary steps under Article V of the Constitution of the 
United States to bring about the election of United States Senators by direct vote 
of the people; and ., , 

Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides that on the 
application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several States the Congress of the 
United States shall call a convention for proposing amendments: Now, therefore, in 
obedience to the expressed will of the people as expressed at the said election, be it 
Resolved by the senate (the house of representatives concurring herein), That, applica¬ 
tion be, and is hereby, made to the Congress of the United States to call a conven¬ 
tion for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States, as provided 
for in said Article V; and be it further 



8 


AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


Resolved, That the secretary of state do furnish to the President of the k.enate of 
the United States and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Unitea 
States, to each, one copy of this resolution, properly certified under the great seal oi 
the State. 

Adopted by the senate February 10, 1903. 

J. H. Paddock, 

' Secretary of the Senate. 

W. A. Northcott, 

President of the Senate. 


Concurred in by the house April 9, 1903. 


Jno. a. Reeve, 

Clei'k of the House of Representatives. 

John H. Miller, 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 


State of Indiana. 

OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE. 

I, Fred A. Sims, secretary of state of the State of Indiana, and being the officer 
who under the constitution and laws thereof is the custodian of the enrolled acts of 
the general assembly, do hereby certify that the attached is a full, true, and complete 
c^y of the house joint resolution No. 4, approved March 11, 1907, and filed in the 
office of the secretary of state, as the law provides. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the State 
of Indiana, at Indianapolis, this 19th day of March, 1908. 

[seal.] Fred A. Sms, 

Secretary of State. 

Frank I. Grubbs, 

Deputy. 

Chapter 299.—Joint resolution of the sixty-fifth general assembly of the State of Indiana, making appli¬ 
cation to the Congress of the United States to call a convention for proposing amendments to the 
Constitution of the United States. (II. 4, joint resolution. Approved March 11, 1907.) 

Whereas we believe that Senators of the United States should be elected directly by 
the voters; and 

Whereas to authorize such direct election an amendment to the Constitution of the 
United States is necessary; and 

Whereas the failure of Congress to submit such amendment to the States has made it 
clear that the only practicable method of securing a submission of such amendment to 
the States is through a constitutional convention, to be called by Congress upon the 
application of the legislatures of two-thirds of all the States: Therefore 

Section 1. Be it resolved by the general assem bly of the State of Indiana, That the legis¬ 
lature of the State of Indiana hereby makes application to the Congress of the United. 
States, under Article V of the Constitution of the United States, to call a constitu¬ 
tional convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States. 

Sec. 2. That this resolution, duly authenticated, shall be delivered forthwith to the 
President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United 
States, with the request that the same shall be laid before the said Senate and House 


State of South Dakota. 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

United States of America, 

State of South Dakota, Secretary's Office: 

I, D. D. Wipf, secretary of state of South Dakota and keeper of the great seal thereof, 
do hereby certify that the attached instrument.of writing is a true and correct copy of 
house joint resolution No. 2 as passed by the legislature of 1907, and of the whole thereof, 
and has been compared with the original now on file in this office. ’ 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the great seal of the 
State of South Dakota. Done at the city of Pierre this 18th day of March, 1908. 

[sEAL.f D. D. WiPF, Secretary of State, 

By J. L., Assistant Secretary of State. 




AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 


9 


Joint Resolution No. 2,—a joint resolution memorializing Congress to submit to the several 
TT,^-+amendment to the Constitution of the United States, providing for the election of the 
United States Senators by direct vote of the electors. > t & 


Be it resolved hy the house of representatives (the senate concurring therein): 

Whereas the election of United States Senators by the legislatures of the several States 
frequently interferes with important legislative duties, and has in many States resulted 
in charges of bribery and corruption; and . 

^ Whereas the sentiment of the majority of tlie people of this State is in favor of elect¬ 
ing United States Senators by a direct vote of the electors of the State, that under 
authority of Article V of the Constitution of the United States application is hereby 
made to Congress to forthwith call a constitutional convention for the purpose of sub- 
initting to th^ States for ratification an amendment to the Federal Constitution pro¬ 
viding for the election of United States Senators by direct vote of the electors of the 
several States. 

Be it further resolved, That the secretaiy of state be, and he is hereby, authorized 
and directed to send a properly authenticated copy of this resolution to the President 
^ the United States, to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the 
House of Representatives of the United States, and to each of the Senators and Rep¬ 
resentatives in Congress of the State of South Dakota. 

M. .1. Chaney, 

Speaker of the House. 

Attest: James W. Cone, 

Chief Clerk. 

Howard C. Shober, 
President of the Senate. 

Attest: ■ L. H. Simons, 

Secretary of the Senate. 


I hereby certify that the within joint resolution originated in the house of repre¬ 
sentatives and was known in the house files as house joint resolution No. 2. 


State of South Dakota, 

Office Secretary of State, ss: 

Filed February 2, 1907, at 5 o’clock p. m. 


James W. Cone, 
Chi’ef Clerk. 


D, D. WiPF, 
Secretary of State. 


State of Idaho, 
department of state. 

I, Robert Lansdon, secretary of state of the State of Idaho, do hereby certify that 
the annexed is a full, true, and complete transcript of senate joint memorial No. 2 by 
committee on privileges and elections, which was filed in this office the 27th day of 
February, A. D. 1901, and admitted to record. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the great seal of the 
State. Done at Boise City, the capital of Idaho, this 14th day of March, A. D. 1908. 
[seal.] Robert Lansdon, 

Seaetary of State. 

Joint Memorial No. 2.—Requesting Congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing an 
amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which amendment shall provide for the 
election of President, Vice-President, and United States Senators by direct vote of the people. 

Whereas a large number of the State legislatures have at various times adopted 
memorials and resolutions in favor of election of President, Vice-President, and 
United States Senators by popular vote; and 

Whereas the National House of Representatives has on four separate occasions, 
within recent years, adopted resolutions in favor of this proposed change in the method 
of electing the President, Vice-President, and United States Senators, which were not 
adopted by the Senate; and 

Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides that Congress, 
on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a 
convention for proposing amendments, and believing there is a general desire upon the 
part of the citizens of the State of Idaho that the President, Vice-President, and 
United States Senators should be elected by a direct vote of the people: Therefore, 

Be it resolved. That the legislature of the State of Idaho favors the adoption of an 
amendment to the Constitution which shall provide for the election of President, Vice- 
President, and United States Senators by popular vote, and joins with other States of 



10 


AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE [TNITED STATES. 


the Union in respectfully requesting that a convention be called for the purpose of 
proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as provided lor in 
Article V of the said Constitution, which amendment shall provide for a change in the 
present method of electing President, Vice-President, and United States Senators, so 
that they can be chosen in each State by a direct vote of the people. 

Resolved, That a copy of this joint resolution and application to Congress for the 
calling of a convention be sent to the-secretary of state of each of the United States, and 
that a similar copy be sent to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of 
the House of Representatives, and our Representatives in Congress. 

This senate joint memorial passed the senate on the 14th day of February, 1901. 

Thos. F. Terrell, President of the Senate. 


This senate joint memorial passed the house of representatives on the 21st day of 
February, 1901. 

Glenn P. McKinley, • 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 


This senate joint memorial was received by the governor on the 26th day of February, 
1901, at 5 o’clock p. m., and approved on the 26th day of February, 1901. 

Frank W. Hunt, Governor. 


I hereby certify that the within senate joint memorial No. 2, entitled “A memorial 
requesting Congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing an amendment to 
the Constitution of the United States, which amendment shall provide for the election 
of President. Vice-President, and United States Senators by direct vote of the 
people,” originated in the senate of Idaho during the sixth session. 

Wm. V. Helfrich, Secretary of the Senate. 


State of Washington. 

Chapter 61.—An act making application to the Congress of the United States of America to call a 
convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America as author¬ 
ized by Article V of the Constitution of the United States of America. (H. B. No. 207.) 

Whereas the present method of electing a United States Senator is expensive and 
conducive of unnecessary delay in the passage of useful legislation; and 
Whereas the will of the people can best be ascertained by direct vote of the people; 
Therefore, 

Be it enacted by the legislature of the State of Washington, That application be, and 
the same is hereby, made to the Congi'ess of the United States of America to call a con¬ 
vention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America 
as authorized by Article V of the Constitution of the United States of America. 

Sec. 2. That a duly certified copy of this act be immediately transmitted to the pre¬ 
siding officer of each legislative body of each of the several States of the United States 
of America, through the governor of each of the several States, with a request that each 
of such legislatures pass an act of like import as this act. 

Passed the house February 19, 1903. 

Passed the senate March 7, 1903. 

Approved by the governor March 12, 1903. 

State of Washington, 

Department of State, ss: 

I, Sam H. Nichols, secretary of state of the State of Washington, do hereby certify 
that the above is a full, true, and correct copy of the original enrolled law now on file 
in this office. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of State 
this 13th day of March, A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] Sam H. Nichols, 

_ Secretary of State. 


State of North Carolina. 

OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE. 

A JOINT RESOLUTION Relative to amending the Constitution of the United States to provide for 
the election of the United States Senators by the direct vote of the people of the respective States. 

Whereas there is a widespread and rapidly growing belief that the Constitution of 
the United States should be so amended as to provide for the election of the United 
States Senators by the direct vote of the people of the respective States; and 
Whereas other amendments to the United States Constitution are by many intel¬ 
ligent persons considered desirable and necessarv; and 




AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


11 


Whereas the Senate of the United States has so far neglected to take any action 
whatever upon the matter of changing the manner of electing United States Senators, 
although favorable action upon such proposed change has several times been unani¬ 
mously taken by the House of Representatives: Therefore 
Be it resolved hy the house of representatives of the State of North Carolina, the senate 
concurring therein, That the legislature of North Carolina, in accordance with the pro¬ 
visions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, hereby apply to and 
request the Congi’ess of the United States to call a convention for the purpose of pro¬ 
posing amendments to the Constitution of the United States; and 

Resolved, That we hereby request our Representatives in Congress and instruct our 
United States Senators to bring this matter to the attention of the respective bodies 
and to try and induce favorable action thereon; and 

Resolved further , That the secretary of the State of North Carolina is hereby directed 
to forthwith transmit a certified copy of these resolutions to the Vice-President of the 
United States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Congress, and to each 
of the Representatives and United States Senators in Congress from North Carolina, 
and to the speaker of the house of representatives of each State in which the legisla¬ 
ture is now or soon to be in session. 

In the general assembly; read three times, and ratified this the 11th day of March, 
A. D. 1907. 

State of North Carolina, 

Office of the secretary of state: 

I, J. Bryan Grimes, secretary of state of the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify 
the foregoing and attached (two sheets) to be a true copy from the records of this office. 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal. 

Done in office at Raleigh, this 4th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1908. 

J. Bryan Grimes, 

Secretary of State. 


State of Tennessee. 

Joint Resolution No. 15.—Requesting Congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing an 
amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which amendment shall provide for the elec¬ 
tion of United States Senators by direct vote of the people. 

M'hereas a large number of the State legislatures have at various times adopted 
memorials and resolutions in favor of the election of United States Senators by popular 
vote; and 

Whereas the National House of Representatives has on several occasions recently 
adopted resolutions in favor of this proposed change in the method of electing United 
States Senators which were not adopted hy the Senate; and 

Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the United States provided that Congress, 
on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a 
convention for the proposed amendments; and 

M’hereas, believing there is a general desire upon the part of the citizens of the State 
of Tennessee that the United States Senators should be elected by a direct vote of the 
people: Therefore. 

Be it resolved (if the house concur). That the legislature of the State of Tennessee 
favors the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution which shall provide for the 
election of United States Senators by popular vote and joins with other States of the 
Union in respectfully requesting that a constitutional conventioii be called for the 
purpose of proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as pro¬ 
vided for in Article V of said Constitution which amendment shall provide for a 
change in the present method of electing United States Senators, so that they can be 
chosen in each State by direct vote of the people. 

Be it further enacted. That a copy of this joint resolution and application to Congress 
for calling of the convention be sent to the secretary of state of each of the United 
States, and that a similar copy be sent to the President of the United States, to the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, to each of the United States Senators from 
Tennessee, and our Representatives in Congress. 

Adopted March 14. 1905. 

^ J. I. Cox, 

Speaker of the Senate. 

W. K. Abernathy, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

James B. Frazier, 

Governor. 


Approved March 22, 1905. 



12 


AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


State of Tennessee, 

OJfice of Secretary of State: 

I, John W. Morton, secretary of the State of Tennessee, do certify tliat the anilexed 
is a true copy of senate joint resolution No. 15. passed by the general assembly of the 
State of Tennessee, 1905, the original of which is now of record in my office. 

Tliis the 12th day of March, 1907. 

Jno. W. IMorton, Senetary of Stale. 


State of Montana. 

Senate Joint Resolution No. 1.—Requesting Congress to call a convention for the purpose of pr^ 

posing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which amendment shall provide 

for the election of United States Senators by direct vote of the people. 

Whereas a large number of the State legislatures have, at various times, adopted 
memorials and resolutions in favor of the election of United States Senators by popular 
vote; and 

Whereas the National House of Representatives has, on several occasions within, 
recent years, adopted resolutions in favor of this proposed change in the method of 
electing United States Senators, which were not adopted by the Senate; and 

Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides that Congress, 
on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a 
convention for proposed amendments; and, 

Believing there is a general desire upon the part of the citizens of the State of Mon¬ 
tana that the United States Senators should be elected by a direct vote of the ueople: 
Therefore, be it 

Resolved (if the House concur), That the legislature of the State of Montana favors 
the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution which shall provide for the election 
of United States Senators by popular vote, and joins with other States of the Union 
in respectfully requesting that a convention be called for the purpose of proposing an 
amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as providecl for in Article V of 
the said Constitution, which amendment shall provide for a change in the present 
method of electing United States Senators, so that they can be chosen in each State 
by direct vote of the people. 

Resolved, That a copy of this joint resolution and application to Congress for the 
calling of the convention be sent to the secretary of state of each of the United States, 
and that a similar copy be sent to the President of the United States, the Speaker of 
the House of Representatives, and also to each of the United States Senators from 
Montana and our Representative in Congress. 

Edwin L. Norris, 

President of the Senate. 

E. W. Ring, 

Speaker of the House. 

Approved February 21, 1907. 

J. K. Toole, Governor. 

Filed February 21, 1907, at 4.05 p. m. 

A. N. Yoder, Secretary of State. 

United States of America, 

State of Montana, ss: 

I, A. N. Yoder, secretary of state of the State of Montana, do hereby certify that the 
above is, with the exception of corrections in orthography and punctuation, and 
insertion of omissions or substitute words in brackets, a true and correct copy of sen¬ 
ate joint resulotion No. 1, resolution requesting Congress to call a convention for the 
purpose of proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which 
amendment shall provide for the election of United States Senators by direct vote of 
the people, enacted by the tenth session of the legislative assembly of the State of 
Montana, and approved by J. K. Toole, governor of said State, on the 21st day of 
February, A. D. 1907. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the great seal of 
said State. Done at the city of Helena, the capital of said State, this 28th day of 
January, A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] A. N. Yoder, Secretai'y of State. 

By Dave Pizer, Deputy. 



13 


AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 

State of Wyoming. 

Enrolled Memorial No. 2, House of Representatives, Wyoming. 

Be it revived by the^ third legislature of the State of Wyoming, That the Senate and 
House 01 Representatives of the United States of America be memorialized as follows: 

^®^®}^ture of the State of Wyoming respectfully represents to the honorable 
the Senate and the honorable the House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled that they urge the submission of the constitutional 
amendments now pending in Congi'ess requiring United States Senators to be elected 
by a vote of the qualified electors of the State. 

They believe that the exciting and disturbing contest for seats in the legislature in 
many of the States has been owing in a great measure to impending contests for United 
States Senators. 

In many States the sessions of the legislature are limited to a specified time and 
^ time has been wasted and consumed in a fruitless effort to elect Senators. 

^ The temptation to corruption and the inducements to influence legislators by ques¬ 
tionable means would be entirely removed if the election of Senators were transferred 
to the people.^ It is believed the business of the legislature should be confined to mat¬ 
ters of legislation, and that the excitement attendant upon the selection of United States 
Senators by the legislature interferes to a great degree with that business. The growth 
of a public sentiment in this direction we believe to be grounded upon good reasons, 
calling for an amendment of the Constitution in this respect. 

Resolved, That the governor be, and he is hereby, respectfully requested, upon his 
approval of this memorial, to forward a duly authenticated copy thereof, under the 
^eat seal of the State, to the Senators and Representative in Congress from this State, 
in order that the same may be brought to the attention of the Congress of the United 
States. 

Geo. W. Hoyt, 

President of the Senate. 

. Jay L. Torrey, 

Speaker of the House. 

Approved February IG, A. D. 1895. 

Wm. a. Richards, Governor. 


State of Nevada. 


Senate Concurrent Resolution relating to the election of United States Senators by direct popular 

vote. 

Whereas the people of this State, as shown by a vote taken thereon, favor an amend¬ 
ment to the Constitution of the United States providing for the election of United 
States Senators by a direct popular vote; and 

Whereas it is evident that a large majority of the American people favor such an 
amendment, as shown by the tone of the public press and by the resolutions of the 
State legislatures of the various States and the resolution passed by the National 
House of Representatives; and 

Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides that Congress, 
on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a con¬ 
vention for proposing amendments thereto: 

Resolved, therefore {if the assembly concur). That the legislature of the State of Nevada 
favors the adoj^tion of an amendment to the Constitution which shall provide for the 
election of United States Senators by popular vote, and respectfully requests that a 
convention be called for the purpose of proposing an amendment to the Constitution 
of the United States, as provided for in Article V of said Constitution, which amend¬ 
ment shall provide for a change in the present method of electing United States Sena¬ 
tors, so that they can be chosen in each State by a direct vote of the people. 

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution and application to Congress for the calling 
of a convention be sent to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and to each of the representatives of the State of Nevada 
in the Congress of the United States. 

Resolved, That our representative in Congress be directed to urge upon Congress the 
calling of a convention provided for by these resolutions. 



14 


amp:nding constitution of the united states. 


State of Michigan. 

No. 7.—A Joint Resolution of the senate and house of representatives of the State of Michigan, making 
application to the Congress of the United States, under Article of the Constitution, for the sub¬ 
mission of an amendment to said Constitution, making United States Senators elective m tne 
several States, by popular vote. 

Resolved by the senate and house of representatives of the State of Michigan, That appli¬ 
cation is hereby made to the Congress under the provision of Article V of the Constitu¬ 
tion of the United States, making United States Senators elective in the several States 
by direct vote of the people; and 

Resolved further, That the secretary of state is hereby directed to transmit copies 
of this application to the Senate, House of Representatives of the Congress, and copies 
to the Members of the said Senate and House of Representatives from this State; also 
to transmit copies hereof to the presiding officers of each of the legislatures now in 
session in the several States, requesting their cooperation. 


State of Wisconsin. 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

To all to whom these presents shall come: 

I, J. A. Frear, secretary of state of the State of Wisconsin and keeper of the great 
seal thereof, do hereby certify that the annexed copy of joint resolution No. 10 has 
been compared by me with the original enrolled resolution on fde in this department 
and that the same is a true copy thereof, and of the whole of such original enrolled 
resolution. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the great seal of 
the State at the capitol, in the city of Madison, this 11th day of March, A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] . J. A. Frear, 

Secretary of State. 

Joint Resolution No. 10. 

Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides that “the 
Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose 
amendments to this Constitution, or on the application of the legislatures of two- 
thirds of the several States shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which 
in either case shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution, 
when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States, or by conven¬ 
tion in three-fourths thereof,” etc.; and 

WTiereas the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States nas on 
four separate occasions passed by a two-thirds vote a resolution proposing an amend¬ 
ment to the Constitution providing for the election of United States Senators by 
direct vote of the people; and 

^Vhereas the United States Senate has each time refused to consider or vote upon 
said resolution, thereby denying to the people of the several States a chance to secure 
this much-desired change in the method of electing Senators; therefore be it 

Resolved by the senate and assembly of the State of Wisconsin, That, under the authority 
of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, application is hereby made to 
Congress to forthwith call^ a constitutional convention for the purpose of submitting 
to the States for ratification an amendment to the Federal Constitution providing 
for the election of United States Senators by direct vote of the people; and 

Resolved, That the secretary of state be, and is hereby, directed to forward a proper 
authenticated copy of these resolutions to the President of the United States, to the 
President of the Senate of the United States, and to the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives of the United States. 

J. O. Davidson, 

President of the Senate. 

I. L. Lenroot, 

Speaker of the Assembly. 

Theo. W. Goldin, 

Chief Clerk of the Senate. 

C. O. Marsh, 

Chief Clerk of the Assembly. 



AMENDING CONSTITUTIGN OF THE UNITED STATES. 15 
State of Missouri. 

Joint and Concurrent Resolution.—Application of the legislature of the State of Missouri for a con- 
vention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States, as provided in Article 
V thereof. . ’ ^ . 

Resolved by the general assembly of the State of Missouri, That the legislature of Mis¬ 
souri shall and hereby does make application to the Congress of the United States of 
America to call a convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the 
United States, as provided in Article V thereof; and 
Resolved further , That the Congress be requested to provide for the holding of State 
conventions to pass upon amendments submitted, as also provided in said Article V, 
Approved, March 6, 1907. 

State of Missouri, Department of State: 

I, John E. Swanger, secretary of state of the State of Missouri, do hereby certify 
that the annexed and foregoing is a true and complete copy of a joint and concurrent 
resolution passed by the forty-fourth general assembly of the State of Missouri, approved 
March 6, 1907. 

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the great seal of the State of 
Missouri. 

Done at the city of Jefferson this 9th day of March, A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] Jno. E. Swanger, 

Secretary of State. 


State of Iowa, 
secretary of state. 

I, W. C. Hayward, secretary of state of the State of Iowa, do hereby certify that the 
attached instrument of writing is a true and correct copy of senate joint resolution No. 
2, making application to the United States Congress to call convention for proposing 
amendments to the Constitution of the United States. Adopted by the thirty-second 
general assembly of the State of Iowa March 12, A. D. 1907, as the same appears of 
record in this office. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the secre¬ 
tary of state of the State of Iowa. 

Done at Des Moines, the capital of the State, April 20, 1908. 

[seal.] W. C. Hayward, 

Secretary of State. 

Senate Joint Resolution No. 2.—Making applicatin to United States Congress to call convention 
for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United St^es. 

Whereas we believe that Senators of the United States should be elected directly 
by the voters; and 

Whereas to authorize such direct election an amendment to the Constitution of the 
United States is necessary; and 

Whereas the failure of Congress to submit such amendment to the States has made 
it clear that the only practicable method of securing a submission of such amendment 
to the States is through a constitutional convention, to be called by Congress upon the 
application of the legislatures of two-thirds of all the States: Therefore 

Be it resolved by the general assembly of the State of Iowa, That the legislature of the 
State of Iowa hereby makes application to the Congress of the United States, under 
Article V of the Constitution of the United States, to call a constitutional convention 
for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States. 

Sec. 2. That this resolution, duly authenticated, shall be delivered forthwith to the 
President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United 
States, with the request that the same shall be laid before the said Senate and House. 

Approved March 12, A. D. 1907. 






16 


AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


State of Michigan. 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

I, Clarence J. Mears, deputy secretary of state of the State of Michigan and custo¬ 
dian of the great seal of the State, hereby certify that the annexed sheet of paper con¬ 
tains a correct and compared transcript of joint resolution No. 7, passed at the session 
of the legislature of 1901, the original of which is on file in this office. 

In witness whereof I have hereto affixed my’ signature and the great seal of the 
State, at Lansing, this 11th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1908. 

[seal.] Clarence J. Mears, 

Deputy Secretary of Slate. 

No. 7.—A Joint Resolution of the senate and house of representatives of the State of Michigan, making 
application to the Congress of the United States, under Article V of the Constitution, for the sub¬ 
mission of an amendment to said Constitution, making United States Senators elective in the several 
States by popular vote. 

Resolved by the senate and house of representatives of the State of Michigan, That appli¬ 
cation is hereby made to the Congress under the provision of Article V of the Consti¬ 
tution of the United States for the calling of a convention to propose an amendment 
to the Constitution of the United States, making United States Senators elective in 
the several States by direct vote of the people; and 

Resolved further, That the secretary of state is hereby directed to transmit copies 
of this application to the Senate, House of Representatives of the Congress, and copies 
to the Members of the said Senate and House of Representatives from this State; also 
to transmit copies hereof to the presiding officers of each of the legislatures now in 
session in the several States, requesting their cooperation. 


State of Oregon, 
office of the secretary of state. 

I, F. W. Benson, secretary of state of the State of Oregon and custodian of the seal 
of said State, do hereby certify that I have carefully compared the annexed copy of 
senate joint resolution No. 7 with the original of said joint resolution No. 7, with the 
indorsements thereon, filed in the office of the secretary of state of the State of Oregon 
on the 10th day of March, 1903, and that the same is a full, true, and correct transcript 
therefrom and of the whole thereof. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed hereto the seal of 
the State of Oregon. Done at the capitol at Salem, Oreg., this 12th day of March, 
A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] F. W. Benson, Secretary of State. 

Senate Joint Resolution No. 7. 

Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides that “the Con¬ 
gress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose 
amendments to this Constitution, or on the application of the legislatures of two- 
thirds of the several States shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which 
in either case shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution, 
when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States, or by conven¬ 
tion in three-fourths thereof,” etc.; and 

Whereas the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States has on 
four separate occasions passed by a two-thirds vote a resolution proposing an amend¬ 
ment to the Constitution providing for the election of United States Senators by 
direct vote of the people; and 

Wdiereas the United States Senate has each time refused to consider or vote upon 
said resolution, thereby denying to the people of the several States a chance to secure 
this much desired change in the method of electing Senators: Therefore, be it 

Resolved by the senate and home of representatives of the State of Oregon, That, under 
the authority of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, application is 
hereby made to Congress to forthwith call a constitutional convention for the purpose 
of submitting to the States for ratification an amendment to the Federal Constitution 
providing for the election of United States Senators by direct vote of the people; and 

Resolved, That the secretary of state be, and is hereby, directed to forward a prop¬ 
erly authenticated copy of these resolutions to the President of the Unted States and 
to the President of the Senate of the United States, and to the Speaker of the House 
of Representatives of the United States. 


AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 


17 


State of Louisiana, 


Joint Resolution making application to the Congress of the United States to call a convention for pro 
posing amendments to the Constitution of the United States. 

^\ hereas we believe that Senators of the United States should be elected directly by 
the voters; and 

Whereas to authorize such direct election an amendment to the Constitution of the 
United States is necessary; and 

Whereas the failure of Congress to submit such amendment to the States has made 
it clear that the only practicable method of securing a submission of such amendment 
to the State is through a constitutional convention, to be called by Congress upon the 
application of the legislatures of two-thirds of all the States: Therefore, be it 

Resolved by the general assembly of the State of Louisiana, That the legislature of the 
State of I^uisiana hereby makes application to the Congress of the United States, 
under Article V of the Constitution of the United States, to call a constitutional con¬ 
vention for proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States. 

Sec. 2. That this resolution, duly authenticated, shall be delivered forthwith to 
the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United 
States, with the request that the same shall be laid before the said Senate and House. 


Approved November 25, 1907. 
A true copy. 


J. W. Hyams, 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

J. Y. Sanders, 

Lieu tenant-Gov ei'nor and President of the Senate. 

Newton C. Blanchard, 
Governor of the State of Louisiana. 

John T. Michel, 

Secretary of State. 


State of Louisiana, Parish of East Baton Rouge, ss: 

Before me, W. M. Barrow, a notary public in and for the State and parish aforesaid, 
duly commissioned and qualified, personally appeared H. H. Johnson, a resident of 
the city of Baton Rouge, State of Louisiana, to me well and personally known, who 
upon oath stated that he made the above and foregoing copy of act No. 4 of the extra 
session of the general assembly of the State of Louisiana of 1907, and that the same is 
a true and correct copy of the original. 

H. H, Johnson. 

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10th day of March, A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] W. M. Barrow, Notary Public. 


State of Colorado. 

An Act Requesting the Congress of the United States to call a convention-for proposing amendments 
to the Constitution of the United States, and urging an amendment to section three, article one of the 
Constitution of the United States* which amendment shall provide for the election of United States 
Senators by a direct vote of the people of each State. 

Be it enacted by the general assembly of the State of Colorado: 

Section 1. Pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States, appli¬ 
cation is hereby made to the Congress of the United States, by the State of Colorado 
and the legislature of said State of Colorado, to call a convention for proposing amend¬ 
ments to the Constitution of the United States. 

Sec. 2. The general assembly of the State of Colorado desires to present and urge 
before the convention to be called, as provided in section 1 of this act, an amend¬ 
ment to section 3, Article 1 of the Constitution of the United States, which shall 
provide for choosing Senators of the United States by the voters of each State, in lieu 
of the provision of said section 3, Article 1, which requires that Senators of the United 
States shall be chosen in each State by the legislature thereof. 

Sec. 3. The secretary of the State of Colorado shall transmit one copy of this act 
to the President of the United States, one copy to the President of the Senate of the 
United States, one copy to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United 
States, and one copy to the governor of each State, to the end that appropriate action 
may be had and taken by the Congress of the United States whenever and as soon as 
two-thirds in number of the States of this Union shall make similar application. 
Approved April 1,'^1901. 

• S. Doc. 454, 60-1-2 






18 


AMENDlN(i ('(mSTrrUTlON OF THE UNITED STATES. 


I, Alfred ('. Montgomery, secretary to tin* govei'nor, State of ('olorado, do hereby 
certify that the above and foregoing is a full, true, and complete c*opy of senate bill 
No. 13, by Senator Parks, asking for a constitutional convention to amend the Con¬ 
stitution of the United States providing for the election of United States Senators, as 
the same is found on pages 115 and 113, in the Session Laws of Colorado, 1901. 

Alfred C. Montgomery. 


State of Kentucky. 

Resolution favoring a change in the Constitution of the United States so as to provide for the election 
of Senators in the Congress of the United States hy popular vote. 

Whereas a large number of State legislatures have at various times adopted memori¬ 
als and resolutions in favor of election of United States Senators by popular vote; and 
Whereas the National House of Representatives has on four separate occasions 
within recent years adopted resolutions in favor of this proposed change in the method 
of electing United States Senators, which was not adopted by the Senate; and 
Whereas by reason of alleged corruption and fraud and the corrupt use of money the 
election of United States Senators in several States have been prevented and by dead¬ 
locks several States have failed to elect Senators and in a number of instances the will 
of the people prevented; and 

Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the Lhiited States provides that ('ongress 
on the application of two-thirds of the several States shall call a convention for pro¬ 
posing amendments, and believing there is a general desire upon the part of the people 
of Kentucky that United States Senators should be elected by the people. 

Be it resolved hy the general assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That the 
.legislature of the State of Kentucky favors the adoption of an amendment to the Con¬ 
stitution which shall provide for the election of the United States Senators by popular 
vote, and joins with other States of the Union in respectfully requesting that a con¬ 
vention be called for the purpose of ])roposing an amendment to the Constitution of 
the United States as provided for in Article V of the said Constitution, which amend¬ 
ment shall provide for a change in the present method of electing United States Sen¬ 
ator's, so that they can be chosen in each State by a direct vote of the people. 

Resolved, That a copy of this concurrent resolution and application to Congress for 
the calling of a convention be sent to the President of the United States Senate and 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Approved February 10, 1902. 


State of Pennsylvania. 

No. 10.] In the Senate, February 6, 1901. 

^ Whereas a large number of State legislatures have at various times adopted memo¬ 
rials and resolutions in favor of election of United States Senators by popular vote; and 
Whereas the National House of Representatives has on four separate occasions, 
within recent years, adopted resolutions in favor of this proposed change in the 
method of electing United States Senators, which were not adopted by the Senate; and 
Whereas Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides that Congress, 
on the application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a 
convention for proposing amendments, and believing there is a general desire upon 
the part of the citizens of the State of Penssylvania that the United States Senators 
should be elected by a direct vote of thejpeople: Therefore, be it 

Resolved {if the house of representatives concur), That the legislature of the State of 
Pennsylvania favors the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution which shall 
provide for the election of United States Senators by popular vote, and joins with 
other States of the Union in respectfully requesting that a convention be called for the 
purpose of proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States as pro¬ 
vided for in Article V of the said Constitution, which amendment shall provide for 
a change in the present method of electing United States Senators, so that they can 
be chosen in each State by a direct vote of the people. 

Resolved, That a copy of this concurred resolution and application to Congress for 
the calling of a convention be sent to the secretary of state of each of the United States, 
and that a similar copy be sent to the President of the United States Senate and the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

E. W. Smiley, 

Chief Clerk of the Senate. 




AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THP] UNITP]D STATP^S. 19 


The foregoing resolution concurred in February 6, A. D. 1901. 



[seal.] 


W. W. Griest, 

SecreLary of the Commonwealth. 


State of Nebraska. 


A BILL For a concurrent resolution relating to the election of United States Senators 

Section 1. That it is deemed necessary to amend the Constitution of the United 
States so as to make provisions therein for the election of United States Senators by 
direct vote of the people. 

Sec. 2. That pursuant to the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United 
States application is hereby made to the Congress of the United States to call a conven¬ 
tion to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing for 
the election of United States Senators by direct vote of the people. 

^ Sec. 3. That a copy of this joint resolution be sent to each Senator and Representa¬ 
tive from the State of Nebraska in the Congress of the United States, and to each pre¬ 
siding officer of the Senate and House composing the Congress. 

Approved March 25, 1903, by John H. Mickey. 

Executive Office, Lincoln, Nehr.: 

I, George Lawson Sheldon, Governor of the State of Nebraska, do hereby certify 
that the above is a true and correct copy of house roll No. 167, passed by the legislature 
of the State o^ Nebraska in the year 1903 and approved by the Hon. John H. Mickey 
March 25, 1903. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the great 
seal of the State of Nebraska, this 9th day of March, 1908. 


George Lawson Sheldon, 


Governor. 

Geo. C. Junkin, 

Secretary of State. 


[seal.] 


State of Oklahoma. 


Senate Joint Resolution No. 9.—Relating to the calling of a convention of the States to propose 
amendments to the Constitution of the United States providing for the election of United States 
Senators by direct vote of the people, and for other purposes, and providing for the appointment 
of a senatorial election commission of the State of Oklahoma. 

Wherbas a large number of the State legislatures have at various times adopted 
memorials and resolutions in favor of the election of United States Senators by direct 
vote of the people of the respective States; and 
Whereas the National House of Representatives has on several different occasions 
in recent years adopted resolutions in favor of the proposed change in the method 
of electing United States Senators, which were not adopted by the Senate: Therefore 
Be it resolved by the senate and the house of representatives of the Stede of Oklahoma: 
Section 1. That the legislature of the State of Oklahoma, in accordance with the 
provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, desires to join with 
the other States of the Union to respectfully request that a convention of the several 
States be called for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the 
United States, and hereby apply to and request the Congress of the United States 
to call such convention and to provide for submitting to the several States the 
amendments so proposed for ratification by the legislatures thereof, or by conventions 
therein, as one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by Congress. 

Sec. 2. That at said convention the State of Oklahoma will propose, among other 
amendments, that section 3 of Article I of the Constitution of the United States 
should be amended to read as follows: 

“The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each 
State, chosen by the electors thereof, as the governor is chosen, for six years; and 



20 


AMENDING CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATP:S. 


each Senator shall have one vote. They shall be divided as equally as may be into 
three classes, so that one-third may be chosen every year; and if vacancies happen 
by resignation or otherwise the governor may make temporary appointments until 
the next regular election in such State. No person shall be a Senator who shall 
not have attained the age of 30 years, and been nine years a citizen of the United 
States, and who shall not when elected be an elector of the State for which he 
shall be chosen. The Vice-President of the United States shall be President of the 
Senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided. The Senate shall 
choose their own officers and also a President ])ro temi)ore in the absence of the 
Vice-President or when he shall exercise the office of the Pre.sident of the United 
States.” 

See. 3. A legislative commission is hereby created, to be composed of the governor 
and eight members, to be appointed by liim, not more than four of whom shall 
belong to the same political party, to be known as the senatorial direct-election 
commission of the State of Oklahoma. It shall be the duty of said legislative com¬ 
mission to urge action by the legislatures of the several States and by the Congress 
of the United States to the end that a convention may be called as provided in 
section 1 hereof. The members of said commission shall receive no compensation. 

Sec. 4. That the governor of the State of Oklahoma is hereby directed forthwith 
to transmit certified copies of this joint resolution and application to both Houses of 
the United States Congress, to the governor of each State in the Union, and to each 
of our Representatives and Senators in Congress. 

George W. Bellamy, 

President of the Senate. 

VVm. H. Murray, 

' Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Approved .January 9, 1908. 

C. N. Haskell, 

(-iorernor of the State of Oklahoma. 

State of Oklahoma, Department of State, 
fo all to whom these presents shall come greeting: 

I, Bill Cross, secretary of state of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby certify that 
the annexed and foregoing is a true copy of senate joint resolution No. 9, relating to 
the calling of a convention of the States to propose amendments to the Constitution 
of the United States providing for the. election of United States Senators by direct 
vote of the people, and providing for the appointment of a senatorial election com¬ 
mission of the State of Oklahoma. 

Approved January 9, 1908, 

The original of which is now on file and a matter of record in this office. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed my 
official seal. 

Done at the city of Guthrie, this 29th day of January, A. D. 1908. 

[seal.] Secretary of State. 

'• By Leo Meyer, Deputy. 


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